The Culture of the French of North America
Dr. Janet Shideler, Professor of French at Siena College
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 7 pm
Siena Hall, Room 308
In person

Who were the French people who came to the New World and why did they come? Why years
later, did so many leave to come to the United States? Dr. Janet Shideler, professor of French
at Siena College will examine the lives of the people of New France; where they came from,
their interactions with indigenous populations, their homes, land settlement and the values and
identity that emerged. From there, she will detail the various developments over the years that
resulted in the departure of nearly 1 million Québécois for “les États,” beginning around 1840.
Dr. Shideler has a BA in French from University of Toronto, MA from McGill and PhD from
University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She specializes in Francophonie: the study of the
culture, history and literature of French-speaking people outside of France. Over the years, she
has developed “study away” courses to Louisiana, North Africa and the Caribbean. Her
research focuses primarily on Franco-Americans: immigrants and descendants of immigrants
who came from French Canada to the Northeastern United States. For more information go to
https://www.siena.edu/faculty-and-staff/person/janet-shideler/

Siena Hall is the main college building from the entrance off Route 9. Accessible entrances on
either end and free parking in the lot in front.